Private schools in Abu Dhabi are set to display official School Performance Plaques at their entrances as part of a new initiative. This program, launched by the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), aims to make each school’s latest Irtiqa’a rating and National Identity Mark visible to parents and visitors, providing a quick overview of school quality.

Officials indicate that this move is designed to promote transparency, encourage improvement, and support informed decision-making for families choosing schools. Sulaiman Al Ameri, Acting Executive Director of ADEK’s Private Education and Charter Schools Sector, emphasized that these plaques represent more than just ratings; they symbolize a school’s commitment to academic excellence and national identity.

The plaques highlight two important indicators of school quality. The Irtiqaa Rating is an inspection framework that assesses school performance across six core areas: student achievement, personal and social development, teaching and assessment, curriculum quality, student care and wellbeing, and leadership effectiveness. Meanwhile, the National Identity Mark measures how well schools integrate and promote national culture, values, and citizenship within their educational environment.

In the next phase of this initiative, a Wellbeing Mark will also be introduced to reflect schools’ efforts in supporting the emotional, social, and physical wellbeing of both students and staff. Parents are encouraged to look for these plaques when visiting schools and to explore more about the Irtiqa’a and National Identity frameworks through ADEK’s website or its parent app, Rayah.